Correlator and delay lock loop circuit

ABSTRACT

The present invention reduces the scale of circuitry and shortens the code phase detection time needed to achieve initial synchronization. In a correlator for calculating correlation between a received spreading code contained in a received spread-spectrum signal and a reference spreading code, a combined code generator is included. The combined code generator outputs a combined spreading code by weighting and combining a plurality of phase-shifted reference spreading codes A 1 -A M . Further, an arithmetic circuit calculates correlation between the received spreading code and the plurality of phase-shifted reference spreading codes simultaneously. A phase detection circuit detects the phase difference between the received spreading code and a reference spreading code, namely the phase of the received spreading code from the results of the arithmetic operation.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a correlator and a delay locked loop circuit. More particularly, to a correlator for detecting the code phase of a spreading code on the transmitting side (i.e., the code phase of the received spreading code) in a case where a direct-sequence spread-spectrum signal is received, and to a delay locked loop (DLL) circuit for maintaining the synchronization between the received spreading code and a reference spreading code.

Direct-sequence code division multiple-access based upon direct-sequence spread-spectrum (DS-SS) modulation has been considered as a wireless access scheme for next-generation digital mobile communications systems. In order to receive a spread-spectrum signal, the code phase of the spreading code on the transmitting side must be detected on the receiving side and a spreading code for despreading purposes must be generated so as to achieve phase synchronization with the spreading code on the transmitting side.

Digital cellular wireless communication systems using DS-CDMA (Direct-Sequence Code Division Multiple-Access) technology have been developed as next-generation mobile communication systems for implementing wireless multimedia communications. In a CDMA digital cellular wireless communications system of this kind, a base station transmits control information and user information after multiplying this information with a spreading code. Individual mobile stations spread and transmit information using a spreading code specified by the base station. In order for a mobile station to correctly receive information such as control information from the base station in a CDMA digital cellular wireless communications system of this kind, it is necessary to identify the timing at which the spread-spectrum modulation starts at the base station, i.e., the phase of the spreading code.

FIG. 19 shows a receiver of a mobile station for a CDMA digital cellular wireless communication system. The receiver includes an antenna 1, a receiver circuit 2 for performing amplification and frequency conversion from RF (radio frequency) to IF (intermediate frequency), a QPSK detector 3 for performing QPSK detection and outputting I, Q signals and an AID converter 4 for converting baseband analog I, Q signals output from detector 3 to digital I, Q data, a despreading circuit 5 for applying despread processing to the I, Q data output by the A/D converter 4, a data demodulator 6 for performing synchronous detection, data discrimination and error correction, a correlator 7 for performing a correlation operation in order to identify spread start timing (the phase of the received spreading code) and a timing decision unit 8 for identifying spread start timing (phase) from correlation value.

The correlator 7 performs a correlation operation between a received spread-spectrum data sequence and a reference spreading code sequence (a spreading code sequence identical with that on the side of the base station).

As shown in FIG. 20, a spreader 9 on a transmitting side executes spread processing and transmits a signal indicated by:

X(t)=a(t)·c(t)

Where a(t) represents transmitted data and c(t) a PN (pseudorandom number) sequence.

The PN sequence c(t) is a spreading code sequence of “1”s and “0”s. The same code sequence (a code sequence of N chips) is repeated on a per-symbol basis, wherein one symbol corresponds to one-bit of data.

The signal x(t) is received on the receiving side, where the correlator 7 calculates the correlation between the signal x(t) and a reference spreading code c(t−τ) and outputs a correlation value R(t) indicated by the following equation:

R(t)=Σx(t)·c(t−τ)

=Σa(t)·c(t)·c(t−τ), t=Tc, 2Tc, . . . N·Tc

where τ represents a code shift (phase difference) between the spreading code on the transmitting side and the reference spreading code of the correlator on the receiving side. The integration interval is the duration of one symbol (the time period of N chips, which is equal to N·Tc).

If “a(t)=1” holds in the above equation, the correlation value R(t) will indicate the auto correlation value of the PN sequence. If the PN sequence is an M sequence, R(t)=N (1 when normalized) is obtained as a maximum at τ=0 and R(t)=1/N holds at τ≠0. In actuality, a(t) is unknown and may be “1” or “0”. However, by assuming for example that “1”=−1 and “0”1, and integrating the absolute value of a(t)·c(t)·c(t−τ), R(t)=1 is obtained at τ=0 and R(t)=1/N at τ≠0.

Thus, by calculating correlation values while changing the phase of the reference spreading code c(t−τ) one chip width Tc at a time and detecting the timing at which the correlation value exceeds a set level, it is possible to identify the spread start timing on the transmitting side (the phase of the spreading code on the transmitting side). Accordingly, the timing decision unit 8 of FIG. 19 acquires the spread start timing (phase) based upon the timing at which the correlation value output by the correlator 7 exceeds the set level and inputs this timing to the despreader circuit 5.

A matched filter and a sliding correlator are available as the principal correlation detection techniques applied to DS-SS signals.

FIG. 21 shows a matched filter 71. The matched filter includes an N-chip shift register (s₁-s_(N)) 71 a for successively shifting the received spread-spectrum data sequence of the baseband (the output of the A/D converter in FIG. 19) at the chip frequency. Also included is an N-chip shift register (c₁-c_(N)) 71 b for storing the reference spreading code sequence, N-number of multiplying corresponding bits of the baseband spread-spectrum data sequence and reference spreading code sequence. An adder circuit 71 d is further included for adding the outputs of the multipliers and a PN generator 71 e for generating the PN sequence (the reference spreading code sequence).

The reference spreading code sequence is composed of N chips. The matched filter 71 outputs one correlation value R(t) per chip period Tc and then successively outputs a correlation value every time the phase of the baseband spread-spectrum data sequence changes by one chip width Tc. The matched filter thus outputs correlation values of N-number of different phases over the period of one symbol.

The timing decision unit 8 monitors the correlation value R(t) output by the matched filter 71, determines whether the correlation value has exceeded the set level and identifies the start of the spreading code sequence on the transmitting side (spread start timing) when the correlation value exceeds the set level.

FIG. 22 shows a sliding correlator 72, which includes a PN generator 72 a for generating a PN sequence (reference spreading code sequence). The reference spreading code sequence is composed of N chips and is generated cyclically at the symbol period T (=N×Tc). Further, multiplier 72 b multiples the baseband spread-spectrum data sequence (the received signal) by the reference spreading code sequence chip by chip and outputs the result.

An integrator 72 c integrates N chips of the output of multiplier 72 b and outputs the correlation value R(t). The integrator 72 c includes an adder 73 for adding the output of the multiplier 72 b and the current integrated value, and a delay circuit 74 for outputting the integrated value from adder 73 upon delaying the value by one chip period.

The sliding correlator 72 outputs one correlation value R(t) in one symbol period (the period of N chips) and shifts the phase of the reference spreading code by one chip every symbol, thereby outputting correlation values of N-number of different phases over the period of N symbols (=N²·Tc).

The timing decision unit 8 monitors the correlation value R(t) output by the sliding correlator 72 to determine whether the correlation value has exceeded the set level. Further, the timing decision unit shifts the phase of the reference spreading code if the correlation value is less than the set level and identifies the start of the spreading code sequence on the transmitting side when the correlation value exceeds the set level.

Thus, the phase of the spreading code on the transmitting side can be detected at a precision of within one chip by the matched filter or sliding correlator. (This is referred to as “synchronization acquisition”.) This is followed by performing despreading by generating the spreading code sequence in sync with the detected phase to despread on the receiving side.

However, if no further action is taken once synchronization has been acquired, the synchronizing position will be lost owing to the effects of modulation and noise. This makes it necessary to exercise control in such a manner that the spreading code sequence on the receiving side will not develop a time shift with respect to a received signal for which synchronization has been acquired. (This is referred to as “synchronization tracking”.) A DLL (Delay Locked Loop) is known as such a synchronization tracking circuit.

FIG. 23 shows a DLL circuit, which includes a PN generator 9 a that generates a first PN sequence (the reference spreading code). The PN generator 9 a has nine delay circuits D1-D9 and an Ex-OR gate provided at the input of the fourth delay circuit. This configuration outputs a PN sequence of an M sequence in accordance with X⁹+X⁴+1. The first PN sequence A₁ is composed of N chips (=2 ⁹=512) and is generated cyclically at the symbol period T (=N×Tc).

A delay circuit 9 b delays the first PN sequence (reference spreading code) A₁ by one chip and outputs a second PN sequence A₂. A multiplier 9 c multiplies, chip by chip, the first PN sequence A₁ output by the PN generator 9 a and a received spread-spectrum data sequence B. A multiplier 9 d multiplies, chip by chip, the second PN sequence A2 delayed by one chip and the received spread-spectrum data sequence B.

Further, an adder 9 e adds the output of the multiplier 9 c and a signal obtained by inverting the code output by the multiplier 9 d. The output of the adder 9 e is input to a low-pass filter 9 f, the output whereof is applied to a voltage-controlled oscillator (VCO) 9 g, which varies the clock frequency (chip frequency) based upon the output of the low-pass filter.

The multiplier 9 c and low-pass filter 9 f function to calculate the correlation between the first PN sequence A₁ and the received spread-spectrum data sequence B. If the phase of the first PN sequence and the phase of the received spread-spectrum data sequence match, the maximum output is obtained.

As shown in (a) of FIG. 24, a correlation value R(τ)=1 having the width of one chip is output every symbol. If the phase shifts by the width of one chip or more, the correlation value R(τ) becomes 1/N.

The multiplier 9 d and low-pass filter 9 f function to calculate the correlation between the second PN sequence A₂ delayed by one chip width and the received spread-spectrum data sequence B. If the phase of the second PN sequence and the phase of the received spread-spectrum data sequence match, the maximum output is obtained and a correlation value R(τ) is output, as shown in (b) of FIG. 24. If the phase shifts by the width of one chip or more, the correlation value R(τ) becomes 1/N. The adder 9 e adds the output of the multiplier 9 c and a signal obtained by inverting the output of the multiplier 9 d. As a result, a signal having an S-curve characteristic shown in (c) of FIG. 24 with respect to a phase difference τ is output via the low-pass filter 9 f.

On the basis of the output of the low-pass filter, the voltage-controlled oscillator 9 g controls the clock frequency in such a manner that the phase difference τ becomes zero. For example, if the phase of the PN sequence (reference spreading code) leads that of the received spreading code, control is performed so as to make the phase difference zero by lowering the clock frequency. If the phase of the PN sequence (reference spreading code) lags behind that of the received spreading code, control is performed so as to make the phase difference zero by raising the clock frequency.

Thus, the phase of the spreading code sequence on the transmitting side is detected (synchronization acquisition) at a precision of within one chip by the correlator (the matched filter of FIG. 21 or sliding correlator of FIG. 22), and then synchronization tracking is carried out by the DLL circuit.

FIG. 25 shows another example of a DLL circuit. In particular, FIG. 25a shows a DLL circuit having a configuration similar to FIG. 23. FIG. 25(b) shows a configuration of another DLL circuit obtained by modifying the DLL circuit of FIG. 25(a). Since multiplication by the PN code and adding the results of multiplication are linear operations, the operations can be interchanged in terms of their order. Accordingly, the DLL circuit of FIG. 25a provides an equivalent function even if the adjacent first and second PN code sequences are multiplied by +1 and −1 by multipliers 9 h, 9I, respectively. Further, the products are added by an adder 9 j and the received signal is multiplied by the value of the sum, as shown in FIG. 25(b).

The time needed to detect a code phase, the scale of the circuitry and the power consumption associated with the matched filter are compared with those associated with the sliding correlator, the following results are obtained:

(1) If the code length for obtaining correlation is N chips, the code phase detection time required for initial synchronization of reception will be N chips (=N·Tc) in case of the matched filter and N² chips (=N²·Tc) in case of the sliding correlator. In other words, the matched filter requires less time to detect the code phase, namely 1/N of the time required in case of the sliding correlator.

(2) The scale of the circuitry in a case where the correlator is implemented by digital processing is understood from FIGS. 21 and 22. Specifically, the matched filter requires two shift registers each having a length equivalent to the number of taps (=N), multipliers equivalent to the number of taps and one cumulative adder. The sliding correlator, on the other hand, requires only one multiplier and one cumulative adder. Therefore, the scale of the hardware of the matched filter is much greater than that of the sliding correlator.

(3) The power consumption of the circuitry is considered to be proportional to the product of the number of gates used and the operating frequency based on the assumption that CMOS LSI circuitry is used. The operating frequency is the chip frequency or the over-sampling frequency of the chip in the case of both the matched filter and sliding correlator. Power consumption, therefore, is considered to be proportional to the scale of the circuitry. Accordingly, the power consumed by the matched filter is much greater than that by the sliding correlator.

Although the matched filter is advantageous in that code phase detection time is short, the scale of the circuitry is very large. A problem that arises, therefore, is that a matched filter cannot be used in a mobile station, which requires low power consumption. The sliding correlator, on the other hand, has the advantage of small-scale circuitry. However, since code phase detection time is long, achieving initial synchronization in the demodulation operation takes time which causes degradation of the system characteristics.

Further, with the conventional DLL circuit, the phase synchronization acquisition range (i.e., the lock range) is small, namely the width of one chip or −Tc/2 to Tc/2, as is evident from FIG. 24(c). However, a problem that arises is that synchronization tracking can no longer be performed if a phase shift in excess of one chip occurs.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An object of the present invention is to provide a correlator having circuitry of a smaller scale, which also makes it possible to shorten code phase detection time required for initial synchronization.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a DLL circuit that makes it possible to enlarge the phase synchronization acquisition range.

These and other objects are met by a correlator according to the present invention for calculating correlation between a received spreading code contained in a received spread-spectrum signal and a reference spreading code. The correlation detection is performed using a combined spreading code obtained by weighting and combining a plurality (M-number) of phase-shifted reference spreading codes. A phase difference between the received spreading code and the reference spreading code (namely the phase of the received spreading code) is detected based upon the result of correlation detection (i.e., the correlation value).

The correlation detection using the combined spreading code provides a response of a linear sum of correlation outputs with respect to the plurality (M-number) of code phases in the spreading code phase space in a single correlation operation. The response can be designed based upon the weighting function of the combined spreading code.

A correlator that discriminates an area in which a code phase resides and a correlator that uniquely decides code phase can be realized by employing the above property. Phase detection time of the correlator according to the present invention is 1/M that of a sliding correlator. Moreover, the scale of the circuitry is determined by adding a code combining circuit and phase discrimination circuit onto a sliding correlator, which is much smaller in scale than that of a matched filter.

Further, a correlator according to the present invention calculates a correlation between a received spreading code contained in a received spread-spectrum signal and a reference spreading code. This enables the phase of the received spreading code to be detected using first and second combined spreading codes obtained by applying first and second weighting to each of a plurality of phase-shifted reference spreading codes and then combining the weighted codes.

For example, a first combined spreading code is generated by weighting each of the phase-shifted reference spreading codes by values obtained by sampling one period of a sine-wave signal in phase-shift units and a second combined spreading code is generated by weighting each of the phase-shifted reference spreading codes by values obtained by sampling one period of a cosine-wave signal in phase-shift units. Thus, a phase difference between the received spreading code and reference spreading code (namely the phase of the received spreading code) is detected using the first and second combined spreading codes. If this arrangement is adopted, the phase of the received spreading code can be detected correctly even if the reception level changes.

Further, a code phase is detected accurately by enlarging the units in which the phase shift is made, obtaining the phase of the received spreading code at these phase-shift units and then sequentially searching the phase area in the phase-shift units obtained using a sliding correlator, for example. If this arrangement is adopted, the code phase can be detected by a small number of correlation operations.

Further, a correlator according to the present invention a correlation between a received spreading code contained in a received spread-spectrum signal and a reference spreading code is calculated. A phase area in which a phase difference between the received spreading code and reference spreading code (namely the phase of the received spreading code) belongs is discriminated using a combined spreading code. The combined spreading code is obtained by weighting and combining a plurality of phase-shifted reference spreading codes. Further, the weighting is changed and a smaller phase area to which a code phase belongs is discriminated, and the phase area is narrowed down by repeating these discrimination operations.

For example, the phase area is divided into first and second areas. The phase area in which a code phase belongs is identified by discriminating the sign of a correlation value. The correlation value is obtained by the weight of a reference spreading code for which the amount of phase shift resides in the first phase area is +w (where w is an integer) and the weight of a reference spreading code for which the amount of phase shift resides in the second phase area is made −w. The identified phase area is then divided further into two area and similar weighting and discrimination operations are performed to narrow down the phase area. Thus, the phase of the received spreading code is detected by subsequently repeating weighting and discrimination. If this arrangement is adopted, the scanning of all code phases of N chips is completed by performing log₂N-number of correlation operations.

In a delay locked loop circuit that maintains phase synchronization between a received spreading code contained in a received spread-spectrum signal and a reference spreading code according to the present invention, a phase difference between the received spreading code and the reference spread code is detected using a combined spreading code. The combined spreading code is obtained by weighting and combining a plurality of phase-shifted reference spreading codes. Further, the phase of the reference spreading code is controlled based upon the phase difference.

For example, among 2n (where n is a positive integer) sequentially phase-shifted reference spreading codes, the weight of the n reference spreading codes of the first half in which the amount of phase shift is small is taken as being positive and the amount of weighting is successively reduced. The weight of the n reference spreading codes of the second half in which the amount of phase shift is large is taken as being negative and the amount of weighting is successively enlarged. Thereby generating a combined spreading code, where the phase difference is detected using this combined spreading code, and the phase of the reference spreading code is controlled based upon the phase difference. By performing phase difference detection using the combined spreading code and controlling the phase of the reference spreading code based upon the phase difference, the phase synchronization acquisition range of the DLL is enlarged to a code length of N chips. This enables initial synchronization to be achieved more in a shorter period of time.

Further, a plurality of weights in which n is different are prepared. A combined spreading code is output initially using weights for which n is large and a combined spreading code is subsequently output using weights for which n is small whenever the phase difference between the first-mentioned combined spreading code and received spreading code falls below a set value. If this arrangement is adopted, the loop gain of the DLL circuit with respect to the phase difference is raised while narrowing the lock range, thereby making it possible to improve the characteristic of the DLL.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a first embodiment of a correlator according to the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the operation of the correlator of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a generalized configuration of the correlator of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a second embodiment of the correlator according to the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the operation of the correlator of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is the output of a correlation detector;

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a third embodiment of the correlator according to the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the third embodiment of the correlator according to the present invention;

FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating the principle of the correlator according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the fourth embodiment of the correlator according to the present invention;

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a first embodiment of a DLL circuit according to the present invention;

FIG. 12 is an output waveform for the DLL circuit of FIG. 11;

FIG. 13 is a filter output characteristic for the DLL circuit of FIG. 11;

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a generalized configuration of the DLL circuit according to the present invention;

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing the S curve of the DLL circuit of FIG. 14;

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a table look-up DLL circuit;

FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating the operation of the DLL circuit according to the present invention;

FIG. 18 is a diagram showing the second embodiment of the DLL circuit according to the present invention;

FIG. 19 is a diagram showing a receiver of a mobile station;

FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating decision of spread start timing by a correlator;

FIG. 21 is a diagram showing a matched filter;

FIG. 22 is a diagram showing a sliding correlator;

FIG. 23 is a diagram showing a conventional DLL circuit;

FIG. 24 is a diagram illustrating the S-curve of a DLL circuit; and

FIG. 25 is a diagram showing another conventional DLL circuit.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION (A) Correlator

(a) First Embodiment of Correlator

FIG. 1 shows a first embodiment of a correlator according to the present invention. The correlator of FIG. 1 calculates the correlation between a received spreading code contained in a received spread-spectrum signal and a reference spreading code.

Reference numeral 21 designates a PN sequence generator for cyclically generating a PN sequence (a reference spreading code) as an M sequence. The PN sequence has a code length of N chips, where the chip width is Tc. The code period (N·Tc) of the PN sequence is equal to one symbol, period (one bit interval) T. A combined code generator 22 weights and combines a plurality of (two in the illustration) of phase-shifted reference spreading code sequences, namely first and second reference spreading code sequences A₁ and A₂. An arithmetic circuit 23 calculates the correlation between a combined spreading code A and a received spreading code B. A phase detection circuit 24 detects the phase difference between the received spreading code and the reference spreading code (namely the phase of the received spreading code) on the basis of the output level of the arithmetic circuit.

The combined code generator 22 includes a phase shift circuit 22 a for outputting the first reference spreading code A₁: C₁(t), C₂(t), . . . , C_(N)(t) and the second spreading code A₂: C₁(t+n·Tc), C₂(t+n·Tc), . . . , C_(N)(t+n·Tc. The first reference spreading code A₁ has not been delayed, while the second reference spreading code A₂ has been delayed by a time equivalent to n chips (=n·Tc). The combined code generator includes a weighting circuit 22 b for weighting the first and second reference spreading codes A₁, A₂ by weights W₁, W₂ (W₁>W₂), respectively, and a combining circuit 22 c for combining the weighted first and second reference spreading codes to output the combined spreading code. It should be noted that n=N/2.

The arithmetic circuit 23 has a multiplication circuit 23 a that multiplies the received spreading code B by the combined spreading code A, one chip at a time at the chip period. Further, an integrator 23 b adds the results of multiplication N times and then outputs the result. The integrator 23 b has an adder SUM that adds the output of the multiplication circuit 23 a and the currently prevailing integrated value. A delay line DEL then outputs the integrated value, which is the output of the adder, upon delaying the integrated value by one chip width Tc.

The correlator of the first embodiment is obtained by providing the conventional sliding integrator described in regard to FIG. 22 with the phase shifter 2 a, weighting unit 22 b and combiner 22 c. If the second reference spreading code A₂ is assumed to be 0, then the correlator becomes a sliding correlator similar to that of the prior art.

If the phases of the first reference spreading code A, and received spreading code B match, the arithmetic circuit 23 outputs the signal shown in (a) of FIG. 2. After integration has been performed N times, the arithmetic circuit 23 outputs a correlation value of level W₁ (=N·W₁). Similarly, if the first reference spreading code A₁ is assumed to be 0 and, the phases of the second reference spreading code A₂ and received spreading code B match, the arithmetic circuit 23 outputs the signal shown in (b) of FIG. 2. After integration has been performed N times, the arithmetic circuit 23 outputs a correlation value of level W₂ (=N·W₂).

In actuality, the first and second reference spreading codes A₁, A₂ are not 0. However, the phases of the first and second references spreading codes A₁, A₂ do not coincide with the phase of the received spreading code B simultaneously. Accordingly, the phase detection circuit 24 monitors the correlation level (the correlation value of one period of the reference spreading code) that prevails after N additions and (1) decides that the phase of the received spreading code matches the phase of the first reference spreading code A₁ if the correlation level is W1. Further, the phase detection circuit 24 (2) decides that the phase of the received spreading code matches the phase of the second reference spreading code A₂ if the correlation level is W₂ and (3) decides that the phase of the received spreading code does not match the phases of the first and second reference spreading codes if the correlation level is zero.

In case of (3) described above, the phase detection circuit 24 delays, by one chip, the phase of the next period of the PN sequence output by the PN sequence generator 21. The phase detection circuit 24 then repeats the operation described above. If the correlation level becomes W₁ while the PN sequence generator 21 is outputting a reference spreading code having a phase delayed by m chips, the phase detection circuit 24 judges that the phase difference between the received spreading code and the reference spreading code in m·Tc. If the correlation level becomes W₂, then the phase detection circuit 24 judges that the phase difference between the received spreading code and the reference spreading code is (m+n)·Tc.

If the correlation is calculated between the received spreading code B and the combined spreading code A, which is obtained by combining two reference spreading codes A₁, A₂ delayed in phase as set forth above, the time needed for phase detection is N²/2 chips (=N²·Tc/2). Therefore, the time required for detection is shortened to half that of the conventional sliding correlator.

(b) Generalized Configuration

The first embodiment of the correlator according to the present invention relates to a case where two reference spreading codes A₁, A₂ delayed in phase are combined upon being weighted by weights w₁, w₂, respectively. Thus, the correlation between the combined spreading code and reference spreading code is calculated. If an arrangement is adopted in which this approach is expanded to combine M-number of phase-delayed reference spreading codes A₁-A_(M) weighted by weight w₁-w_(M), respectively, to calculate the correlation between the combined spreading code and the received spreading code, then the time needed to detect phase can be shortened to N²·Tc/M.

In view of the above, FIG. 3 shows a generalized configuration of the correlator according to the present invention, in which components identical with those of FIG. 1 are designated by like reference characters. Shown here are the PN sequence generator 21, the combined code generator 22, the arithmetic circuit 23, the phase detection circuit 24 and an oscillator 25 for outputting a clock having the chip frequency.

The combined code generator 22 includes the phase shift circuit 22 a, the weighting circuit 22 b and the combining circuit 22 c. The phase shift circuit 22 a has delay elements D₁-D_(M) each of which successively delays the PN sequence, which is the reference spreading code, by (N·Tc/M). The weighting circuit 22 b includes multiplication circuits MP₁-MP_(M) for weighting the 1^(st) through Mth reference spreading codes A₁-A_(M), which are output by the phase shift circuit, by weights w₁-w_(M) (w₁>w₂> . . . >w_(M)), respectively. The combining circuit 22 c combines the weighted 1^(st)—Mth reference codes and outputs the combined spreading code A.

The arithmetic circuit 23 includes the multiplication circuit 23 a for multiplying the received spreading code B and the combined spreading code A at the chip period. Further, the integrator 23 b adds the results of multiplication N times and outputs the result.

The phase detection circuit 24 monitors the correlation level (the correlation value of one period of the reference spreading code) that prevails after N additions. Further, the phase detection circuit 24 (1) decides that the phase of the received spreading code matches the phase of the first reference spreading code A₁ if the correlation level is W₁, (2) decides that the phase of the received spreading code matches the phase of the second reference spreading code A₂ if the correlation level is W₂; . . . , (3) decides that the phase of the received spreading code matches the phase of the Mth reference spreading code A_(M) if the correlation level is W_(M) and (4) decides that the phase of the received spreading code does not match the phases of the 1^(st) through Mth reference code sequences if the correlation level is zero.

In case of (4) above, the phase detection circuit 24 delays, by one chip width Tc, the phase of the next period of the reference spreading code (PN sequence) output by the PN sequence generator 21. The phase detection circuit 24 then repeats the operation described above. If the correlation level becomes W₁ while the PN sequence generator 21 is outputting a reference spreading code (PN sequence) having a phase delayed by m chips, the phase detection circuit 24 judges that the phase difference between the received spreading code and the reference spreading code is m·Tc. If the correlation level becomes W₂, the phase detection circuit 24 judges that the phase difference between the received spreading code and the reference spreading code is [m+(N/M)]·Tc. Further, if the correlation level becomes W₃, the phase detection circuit 24 judges that the phase difference between the received spreading code and the reference spreading code is [m+(2N/M)]·Tc; . . . If the correlation level becomes W_(M), the phase detection circuit 24 judges that the phase difference between the received spreading code and the reference spreading code is [m+(M−1)]·N/M]·Tc.

If the correlation is calculated between the received spreading code B and the combined spreading code A, which is obtained by combining M-number of phase-delayed reference spreading codes A₁-A_(M) as set forth above, the time needed for phase detection is N²·Tc/M. Thus, the time required for detection is shortened to 1/M that of the conventional sliding correlator.

If C represents the spreading code, N the code length and M the number of codes combined, then a linear combined code S will be given by the following equation:

S _(I) =ΣwjC _(i+φ(j)) i=1˜N  (1)

where ω_(j) represents the weighting coefficient of a jth code to be added and φ(j) represents the amount of phase shift of the jth code to be added. In a case where correlation detection is performed using Si in Equation (i) as the combined spreading code, a correlation output value proportional to ω_(j) is obtained with respect to the code phase of φ(j). As a result, a correlation output with regard to M-number of code phases can be obtained by a single correlation detection operation.

(c) Second Embodiment of Correlator

FIG. 4 shows a second embodiment of the correlator according to the present invention, in which components identical with those of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 3 are designated by like reference characters. In the second embodiment, two correlators in accordance with the first embodiment are provided and a phase difference τ between the received spreading code and reference spreading code (the phase-of the received spreading code) is detected using the output of each correlator.

Reference numerals 21, 21′ designate identical first and second PN sequence generators for cyclically generating PN sequences (reference spreading codes) as M sequences. Each PN sequence has a code length of N chips, where the chip width is Tc. The code period (N·Tc) of each PN sequence is equal to one symbol period T. Combined code generators 22, 22′ each weight and combine a plurality (M in the illustration) of phase-shifted reference spreading code sequences A₁-A_(M).

Further, first and second arithmetic circuits 23, 23′ calculate the correlations between combined spreading code A, A′, respectively, and the received spreading code B. Oscillators 25, 25′ output clocks having the chip frequency. A third arithmetic circuit 26 calculates the phase difference ι using correlation values output by the first and second arithmetic circuits 23, 23′. The first and second combined code generators 22, 22′ include phase shift circuits 2 a, 2 a′, weighting circuits 22 b, 22 b′ and combining circuits 22 c, 22 c′, respectively.

The phase shift circuit 22 a of the first combined code generator 22 has delay elements D₁-D_(M) each of which successively delays the PN sequence by (N·Tc/M). The weighting circuit 22 b includes multiplication circuits MP₁-MP_(M) for weighting the 1^(st)—Mth reference spreading codes as A₁-A_(M), which are output by the phase shift circuit, by the weights w₁-w_(M), respectively. The combining circuit 22 c combines the weighted 1^(st)—Mth reference codes and outputs the combined spreading code A. The weights w₁-w_(M) are obtained by successively sampling one period (=N·Tc) of a cosine-wave signal at the units (N·Tc/M) at which the phase of the reference spreading code is shifted. FIG. 5(a) illustrates the weights in a case where sampling is carried out at the period of N·Tc/M, ex., at the chip period Tc, where M=N holds.

The phase shift circuit 22 a′ of the second combined code generator 22′ has delay elements D₁-D_(M) each of which successively delays the PN sequence by (N·Tc/M). The weighting circuit 22 b′ has the multiplication circuits MP₁-MP_(M) for weighting the 1^(st) through Mth reference spreading codes A₁-A_(M), which are output by the phase shift circuit, by weights w₁′-w_(M)′, respectively. The combining circuit 22 c′ combines the weighted 1^(st) through Mth reference codes and outputs the combined spreading code A′. The weights w₁′-w_(M)′ are obtained by successively sampling one period (=N·Tc) of a sine-wave signal at the units (N·Tc/M) at which the reference spreading code is shifted. FIG. 5(b) illustrates the weights in a case where sampling is carried out at the period of N·Tc/M, ex., the sampling is carried out at the chip period Tc, where M=N holds.

In a case where M=N holds, the first combined code generator 22 outputs a combined spreading code U_(I)(i) indicated by the following equation:

υ_(I)(i)=ΣPN(i+j)×cos(2πj/N)  (2)

where j=−N/2-N/2 holds.

The second combined code generator 22′ outputs a combined spreading code υ_(Q)(i) indicated by the following equation:

υ_(Q)(i)=ΣPN(i+j)×sin(2πi/N)  (3)

where j=−N/2-N/2 holds.

The first arithmetic circuit 23 multiplies the combined spreading code υ_(I)(i) by the received spreading code. Further, the first arithmetic circuit 23 cumulatively adds (integrates) the results of multiplication over one period (=N·Tc) of the reference spreading code. Similarly, the second arithmetic circuit 23′ multiplies the combined spreading code υ_(Q)(i) by the received spreading code, and cumulatively adds (integrates) the results of multiplication over one period of the reference spreading code.

FIG. 6 illustrates the output characteristics of the first and second arithmetic circuits 23, 23′ in a case where the received spreading code B is multiplied by the combined spreading codes A, A′, where the results are cumulatively added (integrated) over one period of the reference spreading code. From this cos, -sin characteristics are obtained with respect to all phases (N=−256 to 256) of the code. As a result, a third arithmetic circuit 26 uniquely decides and outputs the phase difference θ (the phase of the reference spreading code) between the received spreading code and reference spreading code from the results υ_(I), υ_(Q) of integration, where θ is given by the following equation:

θ=−tan⁻¹υ_(Q)/υ_(I)  (4)

In other words, the code phase θ is obtained by integrating over one period (=N·Tc) of the reference spreading code. Thus, the amount of time needed is significantly shortened in comparison with the conventional sliding correlator, which requires a length of time equivalent to N²·Tc.

In addition, the scale of the circuitry is much smaller than that of a matched filter. It should be noted that if delayed waves are present, it may be necessary to adopt an arrangement in which the vicinity of the obtained phase difference θ is searched using a sliding correlator. In this case, however, the time needed for synchronization can be shortened in comparison with the conventional sliding correlator, which sequentially scans all code phases.

The PN sequence generators 21, 21′ of FIG. 4 can be combined into a single common PN generator. The same is true for the phase shift circuits 2 a, 2 a′ and oscillators 25, 25′.

(d) Third Embodiment of Correlator

In mobile communications, multiple paths exist. As shown in (a) of FIG. 7, transmitted signals from a base station BS arrive at a mobile station MS successively via multipaths MP0, MP1, MP2 with delay times τ₁, τ₂, as illustrated in (b) of FIG. 7. These multipath signals constitute noise in phase detection and are obstacles to accurate detection of code phase θ in the second embodiment. Multipath signals, however, can be dispersed within a certain range of phases.

Accordingly, in the third embodiment, the phase difference θ is detected roughly in units of (π/2) using 4, for example, as M of the second embodiment. This enables phase areas R1-R4 [FIG. 7(c)] in which the true phase difference resides are discriminated, and the interiors of the phase areas are searched sequentially by a sliding correlator to obtain the phase difference for which the maximum correlation is obtained. It this arrangement is adopted, phase difference can be detected accurately even if multipaths exist.

FIG. 8 shows the third embodiment of the correlator according to the present invention, in which components identical with those of the second embodiment are designated by like reference characters. The third embodiment differs from the second embodiment in that (1) a sliding correlator 31 is provided on the output side of the third arithmetic circuit 26; (2) a phase detection circuit 32 is provided for detecting the phase for which the correlation value output by the sliding correlator is maximized; and (3) M=4 is used for the correlator of the third embodiment.

The phase shift circuit 22 a of the first combined code generator 22 has delay elements D₁-D₃ each of which successively delays the PN sequence by (N·Tc/4). The weighting circuit 22 b has multiplication circuits MP₁-MP₄ for weighting the first through fourth reference spreading codes al for weighting the first through fourth reference spreading codes A₁-A₄, which are output by the phase shift circuit, by the weights w₁-w₄, respectively. The combining circuit 22 c combines the weighted first through fourth reference codes and outputs the combined spreading code A. The weights w₁-w₄ are obtained by successively sampling one period (=N·Tc) of a cosine-wave signal at the units (N·Tc/4) at which the phase of the reference spreading code is shifted. Here w₁=cos0, w₂=cos(π/2), w₃−cos(2π/2), w₄=cos(3π/2) holds.

The phase shift circuit 2 a′ of the first combined code generator 22′ has delay elements D₁-D₃ each of which successively delays the PN sequence by (N·Tc/4). The weighting circuit 22 b′ has multiplication circuits MP₁-MP₄ for weighting the first through fourth reference spreading codes A₁-A₄, which are output by the phase shift circuit, by the weights w₁′-w₄′, respectively. The combining circuit 22 c′ combines the weighted first through fourth reference codes and outputs the combined spreading code A′. The weights w₁′-w₄′ are obtained by successively sampling one period (=N·Tc) of a sine-wave signal at the units (N·Tc/4) at which the phase of the reference spreading code is shifted. Here w₁′=sin0, w₂′=sin(π/2), w₃′=sin(2π/2), w₄′=sin(3π/2) holds.

The first combined code generator 22 outputs a combined spreading code υ_(I)(i) indicated by the following equation:

υ_(I)(I)=ΣPN(i+(N/4)j)×cos j(π/2)  (5)

where j=0-3.

υ_(Q)(I)=ΣPN(i+(N/4)j)×sin j(π/2)  (6)

where j=0-3.

The first arithmetic circuit 23 multiplies the combined spreading code υ_(I)(i) by the received spreading code and cumulatively adds (integrates) the results of multiplication over one period (=N·Tc) of the reference spreading code. The second arithmetic circuit 23′ multiplies the combined spreading code υ_(Q)(i) and the received spreading code and cumulatively adds (integrates) the results of multiplication over one period of the reference spreading code.

The third arithmetic circuit 26 obtains the phase difference (code phase) θ from υ_(I), υ_(Q) in accordance with Equation (4). As a result, in which of the M-number of areas a response resides is specified, where the M-number of areas are obtained by dividing all N code phases into M (=4) areas.

The sliding correlator 31 determines that the true code phase exists in an area Ri in which there is a response. The sliding correlator 31 then performs a search sequentially with respect to the phase of N/M-number of chips of the area Ri in a manner similar to that of the prior art. More specifically, the sliding correlator 31 generates the reference spreading code at the initial phase of the area Ri, calculates the correlation between this reference spreading code and the receiving spreading code, outputs one correlation value R(t) following one symbol period (=N·Tc) and shifts the phase of the reference spreading code by chip width. The sliding correlator 31 then outputs correlation values of N/M-number of different phases and, the phase detection circuit 32 finds the code phase for which the correlation value R(t) output by the sliding correlator 31 is maximized.

By virtue of the operation described above, the scanning of all code phases of N chips of one symbol can be completed in a time of (N²/M+N)·Tc in accordance with the third embodiment. Thus, the amount of time needed is shortened greatly in comparison with the conventional sliding correlator, which requires a length of time equivalent to N²·Tc.

(e) Fourth Embodiment of Correlator

In the first embodiment of FIG. 3, the arithmetic circuit 23 (1) outputs a correlation value of level W₁ if the phase of the received spreading code B matches the phase of the first reference spreading code A₁. Further, the arithmetic unit 23 (2) outputs a correlation value of level W₂ if the phase of the received spreading code B matches the phase of the second reference spreading code A₂ and (3) outputs a correlation value of level W_(M) if the phase of the received spreading code B matches the phase of an Mth reference spreading code A_(M).

Accordingly, when a phase area is divided into two portions, all weights w₁-w_(M) of reference spreading codes A₁-A_(M) for which the amounts of phase shift reside in the first phase area are made w (where w is an integer). Thus, all the weights w_(m+1)-w_(M) of the reference spreading codes A_(m+1)-A_(M) for which the amounts of phase shift reside in the second phase area are made −w (FIG. 9(a)). When this arrangement is adopted, the arithmetic circuit 23 outputs a correlation value of weight +W if the phase of the received spreading code B matches the phase of any one of the reference spreading codes A₁-A_(M) and outputs a correlation value of weight −W if the phase of the received spreading code B matches the phase of any one of the reference spreading codes A_(m+1)-A_(M).

As a result, the phase detection circuit 24 is capable of recognizing the phase area to which the code phase belongs depending upon whether the correlation value is +W or −W. The phase area to which the code phase belongs is then divided further into two portions, and similar weighting [FIG. 9(b)] and discrimination are carried out to narrow down the phase area. If these weighting and discrimination operations are repeated (FIGS. 9(c), (d)), the phase difference between the received spreading code and reference spreading code (namely the phase of the received spreading code) can eventually be detected. For example, as indicated by the hatched portions in FIGS. 9(a) through (d), the area in which the code phase actually resides in narrowed successively and matching of the phase of the received spreading code with the phase of the second reference spreading code can eventually be recognized. If the relation M=N holds, the method described above makes it possible to complete the scanning of all code phases of N chips by performing correlation detection log₂N times.

FIG. 10 shows the fourth embodiment of the correlator of the present invention, in which components identical with those of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 3 are designated by like reference characters. This embodiment includes the PN sequence generator 21, the combined code generator 22, the arithmetic circuit 23, the phase detection circuit 24 and the oscillator 25 for outputting a clock having the chip frequency.

The combined code generator 22 includes the phase shift circuit 22 a, the weighting circuit 22 b, the combining circuit 22 c and a weight selector 22 d. The phase shift circuit 22 a has delay elements D₁-D_(M) for successively delaying the PN sequence, which is the reference spreading code, (N·Tc/M) at a time. The weighting circuit 22 b has multiplication circuits MP₁-MP_(M) for weighting the 1^(st)—Mth reference spreading codes A₁-A_(M), which are output by the phase shift circuit, by weights w₁-w_(M), respectively. The combining circuit 22 c combines the weighted 1^(st)—Mth reference spreading codes and outputs the combined spreading code A.

The weight selector 22 d is provided with the following K sets of weight patterns in advance:

w₁₁, w₂₁, w₃₁, . . . w_(M1),

w₁₂, w₂₂, W₃₂, . . . w_(M2),

. . .

w_(1K), w_(2K) _(, w) _(3K), . . . w_(MK),

and changes weight patterns successively whenever identification of which of the two divided phase areas a code phase belongs to is completed, thereby eventually identifying the code phase. If N=512 and M=N holds, then K=9 and nine sets of weight patterns are provided. As shown in FIG. 9(a), the first weight pattern is one in which the weights w₁-_(wm) of m (=M/2) reference spreading codes are made positive and constitute the first half of the successively phase-shifted M (=N) reference spreading codes. The weights w_(m+1)-w_(M) of M/2 reference spreading codes are made negative and constitute the second half of the successively phase-shifted M (=N) reference spreading codes. The second and third weight patterns are the patterns shown in FIGS. 9(b) and 9(c), respectively, and the last or ninth weight pattern is one in which +w and −w alternate.

The arithmetic circuit 23 includes the multiplication circuit 23 a for multiplying the received spreading code B, by the combined spreading code A and the integrator 23 b for adding the results of multiplication N times and outputting the resulting correlation value. The phase detection circuit 24 monitors the correlation value (the correlation value of one period of the reference spreading code) that prevails after N additions, discriminates the area to which the code phase belongs depending upon whether the correlation value is +W or −W, and causes the weight selector 22 d to select the weights of the next group.

Initially selectors SEL₁-SEL_(M) of the weight selector 22 d select the weight pattern of FIG. 9(a) and input the pattern to the multipliers MP₁-MP_(M), respectively. The arithmetic circuit 23 outputs a correlation value of +W if the code phase is present in the initial phase area R₁₁ [FIG. 9(a)] and outputs a correlation value of −W if the code phase is present in the other phase area R₁₂. The phase detection circuit 24 identifies the phase area by the sign of the correlation value and then instructs the weight selector 22 d to select the next weight pattern.

The weight selector 22 d responds by selecting the weight pattern of FIG. 9(b) and inputs the pattern to the multipliers MP₁-MP_(M) of the weighting circuit 22 b. The arithmetic circuit 23 outputs the correlation value of +W if the phase difference resides in phase area R₂₁ or phase area R₂₃, and outputs the correlation value of −W if the phase difference resides in phase are R₂₂ or phase area R₂₄. When the phase detection circuit 24 identifies the phase area by sign of the correlation value, it instructs the weight selector 22 d to select the next weight pattern. This operation is performed repeatedly to finally specify the area to which the code phase belongs.

(B) DLL Circuit

(a) FIG. 11 shows a first embodiment of a DLL circuit according to the present invention. Reference numeral 51 designates a PN sequence generator for cyclically generating a PN sequence (a reference spreading code) as an M sequence. The PN sequence has a code length of N chips, where the chip width is Tc. The code period (N·Tc) of the PN sequence is equal to one symbol period T.

A combined code generator 52 weights and combines a plurality (four) of phase-shifted reference spreading code sequences A₁-A₄. A multiplier 53 multiplies the combined spreading code A and the received spreading code B, chip by chip. A filter 54 subjects the output of the multiplier to filtering processing. A voltage-controlled oscillator (VCO) 55 is capable of varying the clock frequency (chip frequency) based upon the output of the filter to synchronize the reference spreading code with the received spreading code.

The combined code generator 52 includes a phase shift circuit 5 a, a weighting circuit 52 b and a combiner 52 c. The phase shift circuit 52 a has delay elements D₁-D₃ each of which successively delays the PN sequence that is the reference spreading code by one chip width Tc. The weighting circuit 52 b includes multiplication circuits MP₁-MP₄ for weighting the first—fourth reference spreading codes A₁-A₄, which are output by the phase shift circuit, by weights w₁-w₄ (w₁=1.0, w₂−0.5, w₃=−0.5, w₄=−1.0), respectively.

The combiner 52 c combines the weighted first-fourth reference spreading codes and outputs the combined spreading code A. The multiplier 53 and filter 54 calculate simultaneously the correlations between the reference spreading codes A₁-A₄ and the received spreading code B. The results of these calculations are then combined and output.

More specifically, the multiplier 53 and filter 54 calculate (1) the correlation between the first reference spreading code A₁ and the received spreading code, (2) the correlation between the second reference spreading code A₂ and the received spreading code, (3) the correlation between the third reference spreading code A₃ and the received spreading code, and (4) the correlation between the fourth reference spreading code A₄ and the received spreading code. These calculations are then combined and output.

Accordingly, if the phase of the received spreading code B matches the phases of each of the first—fourth reference spreading codes A₁-A₄, the filter 54 outputs the correlation values C₁-C₄ at the phase illustrated in FIG. 12 and therefore outputs a signal having the overall S-curve characteristic shown in FIG. 13. The phase synchronization acquisition range (lock range) is enlarged to the width of three chips, namely from −3Tc/2 to 3Tc/2, as evident from the S-curve.

The voltage-controlled oscillator 55 controls the clock frequency based upon the output of the low-pass filter in such a manner that the phase difference τ will become zero. For example, if the phase of the reference spreading code leads that of the received spreading code, control is performed so as to make the phase difference τ zero by lowering the clock frequency. If the phase of the reference spreading code lags behind that of the received spreading code, control is performed so as to make the phase difference τ zero by raising the clock frequency.

In accordance with the DLL circuit of FIG. 11, the lock range can be enlarged threefold in comparison with the conventional DLL circuit.

(b) Generalized Configuration

The first embodiment of the DLL circuit described above relates to a case where four reference spreading codes A₁-A₄ delayed in phase are combined upon being weighted by weights w₁-w₄, respectively, and the correlation between the combined spreading code and the received spreading code is calculated. If an arrangement is adopted in which this approach is expanded to combine M-number of phase-delayed reference spreading codes A₁-A_(M) upon weighting them by weights w₁-w_(M), respectively, and to calculate the correlation between the combined spreading code and the received spreading code, then the lock range can be enlarged by a factor of (M−1).

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing the generalized configuration of the DLL circuit according to the present invention, in which components identical with those of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 11 are designated by like reference characters. The generalized configuration includes the PN sequence generator 51, the combined code generator 52, the multiplier 53, the low-pass filter 54 and the oscillator 55 for outputting the chip-frequency clock.

The combined code generator 52 includes the phase shift circuit 5 a, the weighting circuit 52 b and the combiner 52 c. The phase shift circuit 52 a includes M-number of delay elements D₁-D_(M) each of which successively delays the PN sequence (the reference spreading code) by the chip width Tc. The weighting circuit 52 b includes multiplication circuits MP₁-MP_(M) for weighting the 1^(st)—Mth reference spreading codes A₁-A_(M), which are output by the phase shift circuit, by weights w₁-w_(M), respectively. The combining circuit 52 c then combines the weighted 1^(st)—Mth reference codes and outputs the combined spreading code A.

The weights w₁-w_(M) are determined in the following manner. The weights of M/2-number of reference spreading codes constituting the first half of the M-number of reference spreading codes successively shifted in phase are made positive and successively smaller. The weights of M/2-number of reference spreading codes constituting the second half of the M-number of reference spreading codes are made negative and successively larger. For example, when M=N holds, the following weights are adopted: w₁=N/2, w₂=(N/2)−1, w₃=(N/2)−2, . . . w_(N/2)=1, w_((N/2)+1)=−1, w_((N/2)+2)=−2, . . . w_(N)=−(N/2).

If weighting is performed in this manner, the combined code generator 52 will output a combined reference code f(i), which is indicated by the following equation, at a code phase of i·Tc:

f(i)=Σj×PN(i+j)  (7)

where j=−N/2 to N/2.

The multiplier 53 multiplies the combined reference code f(i) and the received spreading code B, chip by chip. The filter 54 subjects the output of the multiplier to a filtering process. The voltage-controlled oscillator 55 then controls the clock frequency based upon the output of the low-pass filter in such a manner that the phase difference τ becomes zero. If the reference spreading code has nine PN phases (where N=512), an S-curve characteristic shown in FIG. 15 is obtained in the DLL circuit. The input code phase (phase difference) is plotted along the horizontal axis in FIG. 15, and the normalized output level is plotted along the vertical axis. In accordance with the DLL circuit of FIG. 14, an output characteristic having a linear slope can be obtained for all phases of the code and thus initial synchronization acquisition is unnecessary.

FIG. 16 shows a table look-up DLL circuit. Reference numeral 56 designates a combined code generator, which has a counter and a ROM table that outputs the combined reference code f(i) indicated by Equation (7). The multiplier 53 multiplies the combined reference code A=f(i) and the received spreading code B, chip by chip. Reference numeral 54 designates the filter and 55 the voltage-controlled oscillator (VCO).

The combined code generator 56 has a ROM table 56 a for storing the combined spreading code of Equation (7), and a counter 56 b for generating a table address. The phase of the received spreading code and the phase of the reference spreading code are made to coincide by controlling the clock of the counter 56 b by the voltage-controlled oscillator 55. The content of the ROM table 56 a can be configured in various forms depending upon the weighting method. The S-curve characteristic in a case where a table in accordance with Equation (7) is used is as shown in FIG. 15, as described above.

(c) Second Embodiment of DLL Circuit

An advantage of the DLL circuit according to the first embodiment shown in FIG. 14 is that the lock range is enlarged if M is large. However, if the slope of the S-curve becomes more gentle, loop gain declines and achieving coincidence between the phases of the received spreading code and reference spreading code takes more time. Moreover, phase tends to fluctuate in response to external disturbances. On the other hand, if it is made smaller, then the lock range is reduced. However, the slope of the S-curve becomes extremely steep, loop gain can be enlarged and fluctuation of the phase in response to external disturbances diminishes.

Accordingly, as shown in (a) of FIG. 17, M is enlarged initially and a synchronizing operation is performed. Thus, when a certain degree of synchronization has been achieved, the output level of the correlator declines. The output level is discriminated, M is reduced and a changeover is made to a linear combined code set including narrower range of phases, as shown in (b) of FIG. 17. If control is performed in similar fashion so as to gradually reduce M (FIG. 17(c)), synchronization can be achieved earlier and the slope of the S-curve with respect to phase is made much steeper. This makes it possible to raise the loop gain and to improve the characteristic of the DLL circuit.

FIG. 18 shows a second embodiment of the DLL circuit according to the present invention, in which components identical with those shown in FIG. 14 are designated by like reference characters. Reference numeral 51 designates the PN generator. Combined code generators 52 ₁-52 _(N) generate combined spreading codes in a case where M=2, M=4, . . . , M=N hold, respectively. The multiplier 53 multiplies the combined reference code A and the received spreading code B chip by chip.

Reference numeral 54 denotes the filter and 55 the voltage-controlled oscillator. Reference numeral 61 designates a state detector for detecting a state in which the output of the low-pass filter falls below a set level when a certain degree of synchronization has been achieved. Further, reference numeral 62 designates a selector for selecting and outputting the next combined spreading code having a small M.

The configuration of the combined code generator 52 _(N) is obtained when M in FIG. 14 is made equal to N. The weights w₁-w_(N) are decided in a manner similar to that of FIG. 14. In particular, the weights of N/2-number of reference spreading codes of a small phase difference constituting the first half of the N-number of reference spreading codes successively shifted in phase are made positive and successively smaller. The weights of N/2-number of reference spreading codes of large phase difference constituting the second half of the N-number of reference spreading codes are made negative and successively larger.

The combined code generator 52 ₂ as a configuration identical with that of the combined code generator in the first embodiment shown in FIG. 11, and the combined code generator 52 ₁ has a configuration identical with that of the conventional combined code generator, shown in FIG. 25(b), for which the lock range is one chip width Tc.

Initially, the selector 62 outputs a combined reference code, which is produced by the combined code generator 52 _(N) for which M=N holds, and performs a synchronizing operation. The multiplier 53 multiplies the combined spreading code and the received spreading code B, chip by chip. The filter 54 subjects the output of the correlator to a filtering process and outputs the result. The voltage-controlled oscillator 55 controls the clock frequency based upon the output of the low-pass filter in such a manner that the phase difference τ becomes zero.

As a result, when a certain degree of synchronization is achieved and the filter output decreases, the state detector 61 instructs the selector 62 to select the next combined spreading code. In response, the selector 62 outputs a combined spreading code for which M=N/2 holds and performs a synchronizing operation. If control is subsequently performed in similar fashion in such a manner that M becomes gradually smaller, synchronization to within one chip will eventually be obtained.

Though the present invention has been described in accordance with embodiments thereof, the present invention can be modified in various ways in accordance with the gist thereof set forth in the claims and covers these modifications.

In accordance with the present invention, it is arranged that the phase difference between a received spreading code and a reference spreading code (the phase of the received spreading code) is detected using a combined spreading code obtained by weighting and combining a plurality (M-number) of reference spreading codes that have been shifted in phase. Accordingly, it is possible to obtain, by a single correlation operation, a response of a linear sum of correlation outputs with respect to the plurality (M-number) of code phases in the spreading code phase space. As a result, the time needed for the correlator to perform phase detection can be made smaller than that of a sliding correlator. Moreover, the scale of the circuitry is also made smaller than that of a matched filter.

Further, in accordance with,the present invention, it is arranged that the phase difference between a received spreading code and a reference spreading code (the phase of the received spreading code) is detected using first and second combined spreading codes. The combined codes are obtained by subjecting a plurality of phase-shifted reference spreading codes to first and second weighting, and then combining the weighted codes. As a result, besides shortening phase detection time and reducing the scale of the circuitry, it is possible to detect phase correctly even if the reception level varies in dependence upon the state of reception.

Further, in accordance with the present invention, code phase is detected correctly by enlarging the units in which phase is shifted, obtaining the phase difference (code phase) between the received spreading code and reference spreading code at these phase-shift units and then sequentially searching the interior of a coarse phase area in the phase-shift units obtained by using a sliding correlator, for example. As a result, the time needed for the correlator to perform phase detection is made shorter than that of a sliding correlator. Moreover, the scale of the circuitry is also smaller than that of a matched filter.

Further, in accordance with the present invention, it is arranged to discriminate a phase area to which the phase difference between a received spreading code and reference spreading code (namely the code phase) belongs using a combined spreading code. The combined spreading code is obtained by weighting and combining a plurality of phase-shifted reference spreading code. Furthermore, weighting is changed and a smaller phase area is discriminated to which the code phase belongs, and to repeat this discrimination operation to narrow down the phase area. If this arrangement is adopted, the scanning of all code phases of N chips can be performed by a small number (log₂N-number) of correlation operations.

In accordance with the present invention, it is arranged that phase is detected using a combined spreading code. The combined spreading code is obtained by weighting and combining a plurality of reference spreading codes that have been shifted in phase. Further, the phase of the reference spreading code is controlled using the results of phase detection. As a result, the phase synchronization acquisition range of a DLL can be enlarged to a code length of N chips and initial synchronization is achieved more quickly.

Further, in accordance with the present invention, the output level of the correlator declines when the DLL has achieved a certain degree of synchronization. This is discriminated and a changeover is made to the combined spreading code set to a narrower range of phases. As a result, the slope of the S-curve with respect to phase is made much steeper. This makes it possible to raise the loop gain of the DLL and to improve the phase control characteristic. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A correlator for determining a phase difference between a received spreading code included in a spread spectrum signal and a reference code, comprising: a reference spreading code generator for generating the reference spreading code; a generator for generating a plurality of weighted and phase shifted occurrences of the reference spreading code; a combined code generator for generating a combined spreading code by combining said plurality of weighted and phase shifted occurrences of the reference spreading code; arithmetic circuit for calculating a correlation between the received spreading code and the combined spreading code; and a phase detector for detecting a phase difference between the received spreading code and the reference code based upon the level of the correlation output from the arithmetic circuit.
 2. The correlator of claim 1, wherein arithmetic circuit includes a multiplier for multiplying the received spreading code with the combined spreading code, and an integrator for integrating an output of the multiplier.
 3. The correlator of claim 1, which further includes a weight selector for changing the weighting of the plurality of occurrences of the reference spreading code.
 4. A correlator for determining a phase difference between a received spreading code included in a spread-spectrum signal and a reference spread code comprising: a reference spreading code generator for generating the reference spread code; a first combined code generator for generating a first combined code by applying first weighting to a plurality of phase-shifting occurrences of the reference spreading code on the basis of values obtained by sampling one period of a sine-wave signal in units in which a phase shift is performed and then combining the plurality of phase-shifted occurrences of the references spreading code after being weighted; a first arithmetic circuit for calculating a first correlation between the received spread code and the first combined code; a second combined code generator for generating a second combined code by applying second weighting to a plurality of phase-shifted occurrences of the spreading codes on the basis of values obtained by sampling one period of a cosine-wave signal in units in which said phase shift is performed and then combining the plurality of phase-shifted occurrences of the references spreading code after being weighted; a second arithmetic circuit for calculating a second correlation between the received spread code and the second combined code; and a third arithmetic circuit for determining a phase difference between the received spreading code and the reference code by dividing the first correlation by the second correlation.
 5. The correlator of claim 4, wherein: the first arithmetic circuit includes: a multiplier for multiplying the received spreading code and the first combined spreading code; and integrator for integrating an output of the multiplier to produce the first correlation; and the second arithmetic circuit includes a multiplier for multiplying the received spreading code and the second combined spreading code and an integrator for integrating an output of the multiplier to provide the second correlation.
 6. The correlator of claim 4, which further includes a sliding correlator for discriminating on the bases of the phase difference, a phase area in which a true phase difference between received spreading code and the reference code resides, and searching within the phase area sequentially to find a phase for which correlation is maximized. 